Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

The top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World are Canada, Norway, Indonesia, Greenland, Russia, the and Philippines, Japan, Australia, the United States, New Zealand. The longest coastline in the world is Canada with a length of 202,080 km, followed by Norway and Indonesia with a length of 83,281 km and 54,716 km respectively.

The coastlines of these countries vary greatly, from the beautiful beaches of the Philippines to the cliffs of Norway. Major cities can be found along some coastlines, but other areas are more isolated and undeveloped. But for the nearby people, each of these coasts contributes to their daily existence.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 longest coastlines in the world along with their length, continent, and ocean borders.

About the Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World 2024

The world’s longest coastline is found in Canada, followed by Indonesia and Russia. All ten of the countries with the longest coastlines are found in Asia, North America, or Europe. It’s also interesting that all ten of the countries with the longest coasts are surrounded by two or more oceans. This is because the convergence of two or more bodies of water frequently forms coasts.

Together, the top 10 coastlines extend a total of almost 550,509 kilometers. At 202,080 kilometers, Canada’s coastline is the longest of the top 10, making up roughly 36.7% of the total length of all 10 coastlines. Several major oceans and seas, such as the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans, are bordered by these coastlines. These countries’ economies depend heavily on the shipping, fishing, tourism, and offshore resource extraction sectors that are based along their coasts.

List of Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

The below table lists the top 10 longest coastlines in the world:

Country	Length of Coastline (km)	Continents	Oceans Bordered
Canada	202,080	North America	Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific
Norway	83,281	Europe	Atlantic, Arctic
Indonesia	54,716	Asia, Australia	Indian, Pacific
Greenland	44,087	North America	Atlantic, Arctic
Russia	37,653	Europe, Asia	Arctic, Pacific
Philippines	36,289	Asia	Pacific
Japan	29,751	Asia	Pacific
Australia	25,760	Australia	Indian, Pacific
United States	19,924	North America	Atlantic, Pacific
New Zealand	15,134	Antarctica	Southern

Longest Coastline in the World – Canada

While it is the second-largest country in the world in terms of total area, Canada has the longest coastline by far.

• Its 202,080 km of coastline stretches along the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Arctic Ocean in the north.
• Since Canada has such a vast coastline that it borders multiple oceans, the landscape along the shoreline varies greatly depending on the location.
• The Canadian landscape is among the cleanest in the world, partly because approximately 80% of the country is uninhabited.
• It is also home to some huge land animals, such as moose, grizzly bears, and wood bison.
• Canada’s coastline is an important part of its economy holding major ports for trading and providing access to some of the best fishing in the world.

Second Longest Coastline in the World – Norway

Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in the northwest of Europe.

• The North Atlantic Ocean borders the nation on the west, and the Barents Sea borders it on the north.
• The coastline of Norway is particularly uneven, with several rocky striations caused by fjords and islands, as well as the archipelago of Svalbard situated far to the north in the Arctic Ocean.
• Also, a significant proportion of Norwegians reside along the coast.
• Norway is well recognized for its beautiful fjords, salmon, and for being a great spot to see the Northern Lights in addition to its legendary Viking history.
• It is known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” because of the extended summertime daylight hours it receives.

Third Longest Coastline in the World – Indonesia

It is the largest archipelagic state in the world, even if its landmass may not even rank in the top ten.

• Approximately 6,000 of Indonesia’s amazing 17,508 islands are inhabited.
• These islands add to Indonesia’s 54,716 km of coastline, and many of them have their languages and cultures.
• Indonesia is ranked third in the world among countries with the longest coastlines because of this.
• The country is made up of many islands and has many popular coastal regions that are used by tourists, such as Bali’s beaches, which are well-known for their relaxed vibe and excellent surfing.
• There are 147 volcanoes in Indonesia, 76 of which are active. The unique topography of Indonesia is a result of the interaction between tidal forces and volcanic activity.

Fourth Longest Coastline in the World – Greenland

Though it is a sovereign country, Greenland is technically a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

• Its 44,086 km long coastline is another unique feature. The nearest neighbors of this frozen country are Canada and Iceland. It is situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans.
• Greenland’s landmass is 80% covered in ice, despite its misleading name.
• Only the coastal regions are inhabited by people because the country’s interior is dominated by huge quantities of ice.
• The world’s largest national park is situated in the northeastern region of the country, and these coastal regions are also inhabited by a variety of plants and animals.
• Greenland’s coastline has amazing characteristics like cliffs, glaciers, icebergs, and a variety of fjords.

Fifth Longest Coastline in the World – Russia

Russia shares its coastline with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

• Russia has boundaries with the Azov, Caspian, Black, and Baltic Seas.
• Russia’s most populous city is Moscow, although some of its most significant coastal cities are Vladivostok and St. Petersburg.
• The most populated city on the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg is regarded as Russia’s cultural center.
• Vladivostok, a city on the other side of the country and more than 6,000 kilometers away, has a long history as an important port and naval station.
• Russia is the largest country in the world, but it also has the longest river in Europe (the Volga), the biggest lake in Europe (Lake Ladoga), and the deepest lake in the world (Lake Baikal).

Sixth Longest Coastline in the World – Philippines

Situated in the Pacific Ocean close to mainland Asia, the Philippines is a country consisting of 7,641 islands, with 2,000 of them being populated.

• Philippines has a very lengthy coastline, even though many of its islands are small and unidentified.
• This nation has a very uneven coastline that is lined with many bays and gulfs.
• The coastal regions of the Philippines are the most densely populated, similar to many other nations with lengthy coasts.
• The majority of the nation’s major cities and almost 60% of its people are found near the coastline.
• The Philippine coastline is famous for its world-class diving and beautiful beaches, which attract large numbers of visitors to the nation each year. Fishing and tourism both make major contributions to the national economy.

Seventh Longest Coastline in the World – Japan

The Japanese archipelago is made up of an amazing 6,852 islands.

• Japan claims such a large number of islands considering its 29,750 miles of coastline.
• This group consists of the five major islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa. Also, these are the nation’s most economically significant islands.
• Many of Japan’s greatest cities were constructed along its coastline, in part due to the country’s important share of coastline.
• It is also the location of a few significant international ports, including one of the biggest in the Pacific Ocean, the Port of Tokyo.
• Japan’s history of geographic isolation from other civilizations has contributed to the fact that Japanese culture is among the most instantly recognized in the world.

Eighth Longest Coastline in the World – Australia

The entire coastline of this Oceanian Island nation is 25,760 kilometers long.

• Australia’s coast is located along the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans, the three largest bodies of water, just like that of the United States.
• The Australian coastline is the location of quite a few of the nation’s inhabitants. This is most likely due to the amazing beaches in Australia, and the business opportunities that surround the coastline.
• The coastlines of Australia are among the most visited places in the world by tourists.
• The Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the biggest coral reef in the world and is situated on the country’s east coast.
• Travelers from all over the world come to Australia to surf one of the country’s several well-known beaches or to dive at this iconic destination.

Ninth Longest Coastline in the World – United States

The United States is unique in that it is bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans. The Gulf of Mexico is also bordered by it.

• There are over 19,924 kilometers of coastline in this huge country.
• Alaska has a coastline that stretches 10,686 km, or 6,640 miles (10,686.04 km), along the Pacific and Arctic oceans.
• Alaska is a major hub for fishing, tourism, and oil production despite having no land connection to the rest of the mainland United States.
• States like California, Florida, and Hawaii are located on some of the most well-known coasts in the United States, which compare strongly with Alaska’s cold coast.
• The US coastline is 153,646 kilometers (95,471 miles) long, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

Tenth Longest Coastline in the World – New Zealand

The most well-known aspects of New Zealand are its varied vegetation and fauna, which are heavily concentrated along its 15,134 km coastline.

• The country is composed of over 600 islands in total, including three major islands.
• These islands are responsible for New Zealand’s extensive coastline in the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.
• The Lord of the Rings films were made in this nation; also, their strong national rugby team is well-known worldwide, and New Zealand wine is exported.
• The east coast of the North Island of New Zealand is host to several white sand beaches and other coastal landforms. There are more than 25 marine reserves along the coastline.
• Slope Tip is located at the southernmost tip of the New Zealand coastline, whereas Surville Cliffs is located at its northernmost point.

Conclusion – Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

In conclusion, Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching 202,080 kilometers. This covers both the coasts of the mainland and outlying islands. At 83,281 kilometers, Norway has the second-longest coastline. At 54,716 kilometers, Indonesia has the third-longest coastline. Greenland’s 44,087 kilometers of coastline rank fourth in length. At 37,653 kilometers, the Russia has the fifth-longest coastline in the world. Long coastlines facilitate access to marine resources and maritime trade. Also, they provide huge potential for profit for activities like fishing, trading at ports, offshore wind energy, tidal energy, and sea salt production.

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FAQs on Top 10 Longest Coastlines in the World

Which country has the longest coastline in the world?

Canada has the longest coastline globally, stretching approximately 202,080 kilometers, owing to its vast northern territories and numerous islands.

What is the second-longest coastline in the world?

Norway holds the second position with a coastline spanning around 83,281 kilometers, characterized by its fjords and rugged terrain.

Which continent has the most representation among the top 10 longest coastlines?

Asia dominates with four countries—Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and Russia—making it into the top 10, showing the continent’s coastal diversity.

How does Australia rank in terms of coastline length globally?

Australia ranks eighth with a coastline extending approximately 25,760 kilometers, featuring landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs.

Which ocean borders the majority of the top 10 longest coastlines?

The Pacific Ocean stands out, bordering eight out of the top 10 longest coastlines, showing its vast expanse and global connectivity.

What unique feature characterizes Russia’s coastline?

Russia’s coastline, spanning 37,653 kilometers, extends across two continents and borders both the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, reflecting its immense geographical diversity.

How does the length of Antarctica’s coastline compare to other continents?

Antarctica ranks tenth with a coastline length of 17,968 kilometers, highlighting its significance as a beautiful and isolated region for scientific research.

Which country’s coastline borders the Indian and Pacific Oceans?

Indonesia, with its archipelago, has a coastline of 54,716 kilometers, showing its rich marine biodiversity and cultural heritage.